AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Dominate Mozambique, Advance to Quarter-finals

Nigeria delivered one of their most commanding performances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, defeating Mozambique 4–0 in the Round of 16 at Stade de Fès to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
Arriving in Fès buoyed by an unbeaten group-stage run, the Super Eagles quickly imposed themselves on Mozambique, who were making their debut in the knockout stage. From the outset, Nigeria controlled possession, pressed high, and capitalized on errors from the Mambas’ defense.
Their dominance paid off in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman opened the scoring, timing his run perfectly to finish a flowing attack past goalkeeper Siluane. Mozambique struggled to handle Nigeria’s speed, especially on the wings.
Just five minutes later, Victor Osimhen doubled the lead, reacting quickest in the box to tap home Lookman’s teasing cross. An earlier Osimhen goal had been disallowed for offside after a VAR review, but it didn’t slow Nigeria’s momentum.
Mozambique mounted brief attacks through Geny and Faizal, but the Super Eagles’ defense easily absorbed the pressure. Two minutes into the second half, Osimhen struck again, converting a loose ball in the box to make it 3–0 and effectively seal the win.
Head coach Eric Chelle then rotated his squad to maintain energy, allowing Nigeria to keep possession and continue threatening on counter-attacks. Akor Adams added the fourth goal in the 75th minute after a consistent attacking display.
Mozambique continued to press for a consolation, but Nigeria’s defense remained solid, with Nwabali commanding the goal and Wilfred Ndidi controlling the midfield.
The 4–0 victory, which included a clean sheet, reinforced Nigeria’s status as a tournament favorite and made them the first team to score four goals in a match at AFCON 2025. The Super Eagles now look ahead to the quarter-finals against either Algeria or Congo DR.